Finally, Honda Australia has seen the light and has announced that the stove hot, sky-revving Civic Type R hot hatch will be sold in Oz from the middle of this very year.

Already a massive favourite with our Pommy geezers abroad, the specially badged Civic features the 2L i-VTEC engine with 148kW at a dizzyingly high 7800rpm coupled with a short-throw six-speed manual, which is apparently quite the box.

Aggressive styling and 18in wheels on 225/40 tyres will complete what looks to be the perfect package for those P-platers who’ve got some spare jade lying around.

Honda Australia Managing Director Toshio Iwamoto said, “It is wonderful to bring such a sought-after and sporty car to Australia. I’m sure all motoring enthusiasts will be impressed with the performance, handling and luxury of the Civic Type R. It’s the hottest Civic we have ever launched here.”

Built at Honda’s Swindon plant in Wiltshire, the Civic Type R is a cult car in the UK, with its massive popularity ensuring over 500 customer orders – or 10 percent of the entire year’s sales run – before the official British launch date of March 1st.

We’ll bring you full details of the pricing and launch as they come to hand.